A preliminary investigation into Spain’s recent train disaster suggests that a cracked track may have caused the derailment. The high-speed collision in Andalusia killed 45 people and left many injured. Authorities are now focusing on safety checks across the country’s rail network.
The train disaster occurred on Sunday evening when an Iryo-operated high-speed train derailed and collided with an oncoming Renfe service. Both trains were traveling within the speed limit, and officials have ruled out human error. The collision has been described as one of Europe’s deadliest rail accidents in recent years.
According to the CIAF rail accident investigation committee, notches were found on the right-sided wheels of four carriages on the Iryo train. The deformation observed in the track is compatible with the theory that the track was already cracked before the train passed over it. Similar marks were also found on three other trains that used the same stretch of track earlier that day.
The CIAF report stated, “We can put forward the hypothesis that the cracking of the track took place before the passage of the Iryo train that suffered the accident, and therefore before the derailment.” Officials emphasized that this is a working hypothesis and will need further detailed analysis to be confirmed.
Transport Minister Oscar Puente noted that the track in question had been recently renovated, and the Iryo train was nearly new. Investigators are continuing their work at the scene, reviewing mechanical reports and maintenance records to determine the exact cause of the train disaster.
The incident has raised urgent questions about the safety of Spain’s high-speed rail system, which is the second-largest in the world. Authorities have assured the public that all precautionary measures are being taken to prevent similar accidents in the future.
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The ongoing investigation is expected to provide a clearer picture of the factors that led to the train disaster. Meanwhile, emergency and rescue teams continue to support victims and their families.
